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About Canada
CANADA – Nation of Immigrants
Canada is a ‘melting pot’ of many different cultures and different peoples. Aboriginal peoples have occupied the territory now called Canada for several thousands of years. Everybody else, either by birth or by descent, has been an immigrant -- all come from somewhere else. It has been aptly named as a "nation of immigrants." Canada is home to immigrants from more than 240 countries and it continues to attract new residents and citizens with the promise of a beautiful natural environment, stable economic growth and an excellent place to raise a family.
Canada is a young and dynamic country where immigration serves as the foundation for continued economic growth and which brings people, customs and traditions, rituals and culture to the forefront of current Government policy. It is a land of opportunity and abounds with economic prosperity, sound and affordable education options, world renown health care and retirement schemes, an abundance of land, clean air and fresh water supplies, all providing for a safe and secure environment
Canada is the largest country, geographically, in the western hemisphere with a population of only 31 million people. Its form of government can be characterized as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy and a federation. It comprises of 10 provinces and 3 territories.
As a member of the G8 group of leading industrial countries, Canada enjoys an enviable standard of living, an excellent infrastructure, a highly educated and skilled labour force as well as a well-deserved reputation as a successful trading nation. Canada is also known worldwide for its respect of human rights and freedoms as well its stand against discrimination and injustice.
Canada still needs the skills, talents and enthusiasm of newcomers to continue to grow. Today Canada is one of the most ethnically and racially diverse countries in the world, ranking next to the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United States as one of the world's most pluralistic societies. Canada’s dynamic multiculturalism can be attributed to its unique combination of Indigenous cultures, early European settlement and immigration from all parts of the world.
As Canadian permanent residents, you and your family can share with Canadians and take part in the continuous building of one of the world's most successful economic alliances involving Canada and the United States of America, its neighbor to the south. Indeed, Canada's esteemed stature is reflected in its being a member of the prestigious economic Group of Eight and its reputation as a respected participant in world affairs.
Due to growth in the Canadian economy and a shortage of skilled workers, the Canadian Government seeks skilled workers to live and work in Canada. A recent report by the Immigration Minister stated that for the year 2006, they are committed to admit from 225,000 to 255,000 newcomers to Canada as permanent residents.
We have shared in the optimism and sincere belief that Canada will continue to provide a successful opportunity and a stable environment to those who elect to become a part of its landscape. Embrace your future and bring the heritage of your past to a place where you and your family will be proud to refer to as home – Canada!
Language
Under the Official Languages Act, Canada is an officially bilingual country. Consequently, Canadians have the right to get federal government services in English or French, no matter what part of Canada they are living in. English and French are the two official languages in Canada. Many Canadians are functionally monolingual, although some parts of the country have both English and French speakers; over a quarter of Canadians are bilingual or multilingual. English is the dominant language in every province except Quebec, where French is dominant and actively promoted as the main language. There are francophone communities around the country, though. A list of areas where you will probably encounter the French language: New Brunswick (an officially bilingual province; the city of Moncton is famous for its unusual dialect); the national capital region around Ottawa and other parts of eastern and northern Ontario; the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and areas to the south; and many parts of the Acadian region of Atlantic Canada (these areas are dotted across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the French Shores of Newfoundland). Likewise there are anglophone communities in Quebec, such as some of the western suburbs of Montreal.
In Quebec, one can usually get by with English in the major tourist destinations, but some knowledge of French is useful off the beaten path, and almost essential in many rural areas. It may also be useful to know at least a few basic French phrases in the larger cities, where some attempt by travellers to communicate in French is often appreciated. It is worth noting that the French widely spoken in Quebec and Acadian regions differs in some respects from the French of France. There are also dozens of aboriginal languages spoken by many Canadians of aboriginal descent.
Religion
Canada has a wide mix of religions, but it has no official religion, and support for religious pluralism is an important part of Canada's political culture. All religions are represented in its multicultural and secular society. Canadians respect the freedom of people to practice their choice of religion. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities.
History
Canada is a land of many cultures and many peoples. Aboriginal peoples have occupied the territory now called Canada for several thousands of years. The First Nations or Indian people were the original inhabitants of Canada and the name comes from their language and means "Village" or "Community". The Vikings, who arrived in the 11th century and did not stay for long, were the first Europeans to land in Canada.
More Europeans arrived in the 16th century bringing with them manufactured goods which they traded for furs and native products - because of this they were made welcome by the indigenous people. The two main groups of European settlers were the French, who came first, and then the English. Despite France losing its part of the territory to Britain in a war in 1760, many of the French-speaking people stayed. In 1867, three colonies of Britain merged in an event called Confederation; this created a partially independent state of four Provinces. Six more Provinces and three Territories have since been added and in 1931 full independence was achieved. Canada still belongs to the Commonwealth of Nations.
During the 19th and 20th century, waves of immigrants arrived from Europe, attracted by the opportunity of a new and better life in Canada. Moreover, continuing over the last 50 years, people from all over the globe have sought a better life in Canada, often known as country of refuge. It has also been said that Canada is a "nation of immigrants."
Geography
Canada is to the north of North America. To the east is the North Atlantic Ocean, the North Pacific Ocean is to the west and the Arctic Ocean is to the north. The northern border of the United States is conterminous with the southern border of Canada.
Canada consists of 10 provinces and three territories in five main regions: the Atlantic area, Central Canada, the Prairies, the West Coast and the North. The culture and population are different in each region.
The Atlantic region consists of the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In these provinces, main industries include fishing, farming, forestry, tourism and mining.
Central Canada consists of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. These two provinces together account for almost half of Canada’s population.
The Prairies include the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The land is largely flat and fertile, excellent for farming and rich in energy resources. In Alberta, the Rocky Mountains begin, and include some of the largest peaks in North America.
On the West Coast, the province of British Columbia is famous for its mountain ranges and forests. Natural resources such as lumber and fish are considered the cornerstone of the economy.
The North consists of Canada's three territories: Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Together, they account for 1/3 of Canada's landmass. Northern resources include oil, natural gas, gold, lead and zinc.
Government and Political System
Canada is a confederation, with a parliamentary monarch. Being a confederation means that powers and responsibilities are divided between the federal government and the 10 provincial governments. Canada also has three territorial jurisdictions. Canada has three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal (cities and towns). The citizens of Canada elect these governments.
Economy
Canada has a diversified economy. Canada’s economy is based on natural resources industries, such as forestry, mining, oil and gas extraction, farming and fishing, which account for large numbers of jobs and revenue for Canada. Canada is also known as a leader in the areas of telecommunications, biotechnology, aerospace technologies and pharmaceuticals. Canada is a member nation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) along with the USA and Mexico.
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